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Gross not only anchored Carolina’s offensive line for 11 seasons at both left and right tackle, making three Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team, but he was also a leader in the locker room and an example for younger players. Kalil once named Gross as his mentor, and both players helped the Panthers foster a culture of professionalism during their time with the franchise.

Ryan Kalil, left, called Jordan Gross the person who taught him most how to be a professional.
DAVID T. FOSTER III
Staff Photographer

How Hurney landed Kalil is also one of his best moves as Carolina’s GM. He moved back in the first round of the 2007 draft, acquiring the No. 25 overall and No. 59 overall picks in the process, which he used, respectively, on Jon Beason and Kalil. One of the last picks of the second round, Kalil went on to make five Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams during his 12-year career.

If asked about the five most-influential players he’s coached in Carolina, Gross and Kalil would likely be two of the first names head coach Ron Rivera offers.

Marcel Louis-Jacques covers the Carolina Panthers for the Charlotte Observer, keeping you on top of Panthers news both on the field and behind the scenes. He is a 2014 graduate of Arizona State University and grew up in Sacramento, California.

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